Henry Lyte, a Scottish preacher, was afflicted with the dreaded disease of tuberculosis. Shortly before his death in 1847 he wrote a poem entitled, “Abide With Me” and set it to the music of a popular song. He died just three weeks after its completion.

The hymn is a prayer for God to remain present through the storms, trials and changes of life as well as through the transition of death. The opening line alludes to Luke 24:29, “Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” I particularly like the end of the second verse which says,

“Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

Not all change is bad, of course. Many times change can be a good and healthy thing. A person who is weak and out of shape may need to change their eating and exercise habits in order to improve their physical health. Someone with a violent temper or behavior that is harmful to self or others needs to change their attitude. In fact, change is the very meaning of the word “repentance” and is required of everyone who desires to walk with the Lord (Lk. 13:3.5; 2 Pt. 3:9).

Change gives us the opportunity to begin a fresh with new energy and new goals. It is a vital part of Paul’s instruction in Philippians 3:12 -14, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

A person who is not willing to let go of the past, change their thinking and press on will find themselves in a terrible rut that leads to a literal “dead end.”

In the midst of change, it is essential we remember the admonition of this song. God is unchanging. His Word never changes. His love for us never ceases. His care and concern is constant. His commands regarding salvation and Christian living are the same from generation to generation. His promises are sure.

It was this fact that brought comfort to Henry Lyte as he lay on his bed confronted with the realization, “Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away.”

Rather than being upset, angry or afraid when change comes may we remember the importance of keeping our lives focused on “thou who changest not” and make sure that we “abide” in Him!